AbdulRazaq  Restates Commitment to Safe Water Travel

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday donated 1,000 life jackets to the people of Patigi in Patigi Local Government Area of the state against drowning and death in the event of a boat mishap during water travel.

The development, according to THISDAY checks, might not be unconnected with the recent boat mishap in Patigi that claimed many lives due to the inability of the victims to have access to life jackets.

The ugly development also prompted the government to send a team to the Lagos Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as part of its ongoing efforts to boost water travel and safety.

However, AbdulRazaq handed the life jackets to the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi II, shortly after a meeting he had with some first class monarchs, who had come to brief him on some issues of security and general well-being of the people.

The governor said a similar gesture will be extended to Edu LGA and other riverine areas to promote safe water travel in the state.

According To him, “This is only a phase of donation of lifejacket to the people of Patigi LGA. We will also move to Edu LAG to make sure we have adequate life-saving equipment for our people along the banks of River Niger and within the riverine communities in the state.

“It is a continuous process, and health and safety issue concern being addressed.”

The brief ceremony was attended by the state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Jide Asonibare; Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi II; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar, and Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti.

Etsu Bologi II thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for taking “wonderful steps” to protect his subjects, adding that that will go a long way to avert recurrence of boat mishap in the area.

“On behalf of myself and the people of Patigi Emirate Council, we want to sincerely thank Governor AbdulRazaq for this wonderful donation of lifejacket to our people at riverine areas who are mostly farmers and fishermen,” he said.